Public Meetings - Venice, Florida

The City Council of Venice, Florida, met on October 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included four ceremonial proclamations, approval of a consent agenda with routine items, three public hearings for zoning and code amendments, and two appointments to city boards. All decisions were unanimous except for the Housing Authority appointment, which passed 4-2. Recognition - Centennial Anniversary of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce: Mayor Pachota proclaimed October 14, 2025, as the day to honor the chamber's 100 years. Kathy Lehner (President and CEO) and board chair spoke, highlighting the chamber's role in founding Venice and launching community initiatives. - National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Proclaimed October 2025. Security Analyst Joelle Gurk accepted, emphasizing shared responsibility and the IT team's 24/7 monitoring. - Florida City Government Week: Proclaimed October 20-26, 2025. City Manager James Clinch noted events including student government day and a poster contest. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Proclaimed October 2025. Detective Kenny and SPARCC victim advocate Mirna Marcia spoke, highlighting partnerships and services for victims. Consent Calendar All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously by a single motion (moved by Vice Mayor Boldt, seconded by Council Member Frank). Approved items included: - Minutes of September 23, 2025, regular meeting and budget hearing. - Special event permits: 1,000 Miglia Race (Feb 21, 2026) and Venice Crescendo (Apr 25-26, 2026). - Amendment No. 3 to FDEP agreement for Tarpon Center Drive Nature Based Flood Mitigation Pilot Project. - Utility easement from Willow Chase Community Association. - Accounts receivable write-offs. - Collective bargaining agreement with IAFF (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2028). - Clearing and landscaping reimbursement agreement with Willow Chase for water booster pump station. Public Hearings Ordinance 2025-34 (First Reading) – Zoning Map Amendment for Knights Trail - Petition: Change zoning on 60.44 acres at 2100 and 2413 Knights Trail Road from Commercial General (CG) and Commercial Intensive (CI) to Knights Trail Mixed Use (KT). - Staff presentation: Senior Planner Brittany Smith explained the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and land development code. The new district allows slightly lower density (18 du/ac to 16 du/ac) but greater building coverage (up to 75%), height exceptions to 46 feet, and architectural requirements. - Applicant: Attorney Jackson Boone stated the property owner seeks the change to align with the city's updated zoning map; existing vested approvals for 630 multifamily units remain valid until 2028. - Council questions: Council Member Weed asked whether the petition was landowner-initiated (yes) and confirmed the applicant is aware of architectural requirements (yes). - Action: Unanimously approved on first reading and scheduled for final reading. Ordinance 2025-35 (First Reading) – Text Amendment for Plat Process - Purpose: Comply with Florida Senate Bill 784 (2025) requiring administrative approval of final plats by the city engineer rather than city council. - Staff presentation: Senior Planner Nicole Tremblay outlined changes to the Land Development Code, including transfer of decision authority, new timeframes (60 days for engineer review, 15 days for applicant to record plat), and requirement for applicant to record plats. - Action: Unanimously approved on first reading and scheduled for final reading. Ordinance 2025-33 (Final Reading) – Historic Resource Designation for 500 Nassau Street South - Purpose: Place the structure at 500 Nassau Street South on the Local Register of Historical Resources, as recommended by the Historic and Architectural Preservation Board. - Public comment: No speakers. - Action: Unanimously approved and adopted. New Business Appointment to Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (25-0372) - Background: Vacancy for term ending August 30, 2028. Current requirement that the appointee be a member of Venice Main Street hindered applicants. - Motion: Council Member Engelke moved to direct staff to amend the code to make Venice Main Street membership a preference, not a requirement, and to re-list the vacancy after that change. Seconded by Vice Mayor Bolt. - Discussion: Council Member Engelke explained the change would not affect the city's Certified Local Government (CLG) status, as confirmed by the city manager. - Action: Motion passed unanimously. Appointment to Venice Housing Authority (25-0373) - Position: Unexpired term of James Kraut (October 14, 2025 – September 30, 2026). - Motion: Vice Mayor Boldt moved to appoint Donna Bolt. Seconded by Council Member Frank. - Vote: Passed 4-2 (Council Members Howard absent; Vice Mayor Boldt, Council Members Frank, Smith, Weed in favor; Council Members Engelke and Mayor Pachota opposed). Key Outcomes - Unanimous approvals: Consent agenda, three ordinances (two on first reading, one on final), and the motion to amend HAPB code requirements. - Housing Authority appointment: Donna Bolt appointed, 4-2. - Next steps: Ordinance 2025-34 and 2025-35 will return for final reading at a future council meeting. Staff will draft code amendment for Venice Main Street membership preference and re-list the HAPB vacancy.

The Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) of Venice, Florida, met on October 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The board considered two quasi-judicial public hearings: a continued application for a new three-story mixed-use building at 256 Nokomis Avenue South and a new application for a second-story addition to an existing garage at 625 West Venice Avenue. The board also held an election for chair and vice chair. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the September 25, 2025 meeting (moved by Ms. Trammell, seconded by Mr. Green, all in favor). Discussion Items PLAR25-0019: 256 Nokomis Avenue South – Proposed New 3-Story Mixed-Use Building - This was continued from the September 25, 2025 meeting. Staff planner Brittany Smith summarized the board's previous comments and the applicant's updates, including changes to the roof (metal tile), windows, railings, and wall recesses. - Applicant Beka Saldadze (B Design LLC) presented revised drawings. Board members discussed that while many improvements were made, the building's massing still did not meet the Venetian Theme Architectural Control District guidelines (Section 7.10.2.B) because the facade remained largely flat without sufficient planar offsets. - Board members suggested additional changes: offsetting the east entry wall, changing material at column bases (e.g., stone), and making the solid waste enclosure consistent with the building architecture. The applicant agreed to consider these. - The board continued the hearing to the next meeting on November 13, 2025, to allow the applicant time to revise and provide updated renderings addressing the massing issue. Motion moved by Ms. Trammell, seconded by Mr. Watkins, passed unanimously. PLAR25-0008: 625 West Venice Avenue – Proposed 2nd Story Addition to Existing Garage - Staff planner Nicole Tremblay presented the application for a second-story addition to an existing 1970s garage on a 1926 single-family home in the Historic Venice Architectural Control District. Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhammer provided comments on differentiation. - Applicant Chris Alexakis (CSA Construction) explained the design maintained consistency with the home's Venetian Historic Precedent style, including matching doors, railings, and lighting. - Board members offered minor suggestions: raising the decorative tile eyebrow to the parapet line and extending it across the front elevation, and adjusting the light fixture spacing. Staff noted these could be handled administratively. - The board approved the application with the condition that the tile eyebrow be raised to the parapet roof line and extend across the front elevation. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Ms. Trammell, passed unanimously. New Business: Election of Chair and Vice Chair - The board re-elected Mark (Mr. Bere) as Chair and Jean Trammell as Vice Chair for the upcoming term. Both were unopposed and approved by voice vote. Staff Comments - Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark noted the value of pre-application meetings for large projects and encouraged applicants to use them. He also invited board members to suggest clarifications to the design guidelines based on recent cases. Key Outcomes - PLAR25-0019 continued to November 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM (Council Chambers) for further revisions on massing and other items. - PLAR25-0008 approved with a condition to modify the eyebrow tile roof. - Chair and Vice Chair re-elected for the new term.

The Venice Planning Commission met at 1:30 PM on October 7, 2025, in Council Chambers at 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida. All seven members were present. The commission approved the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes, conducted six public hearings, and forwarded recommendations to the City Council on annexation, a Comprehensive Plan amendment, a zoning map amendment, a design alternative, and two Venice Crossing Car Wash petitions. Votes were unanimous except the car wash conditional use, which passed 6–1. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the September 2, 2025 regular meeting minutes as presented; seconded and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No general audience participation speakers were signed up outside the scheduled public hearings. - For Curry Lane Townhomes, Richard "Dick" Rock, a Waterford resident for 36 years, supported retaining the invasive species border as a continuation of the buffer from the nearby Sophia project and said residents have a good working relationship with the developer. - Jim Nolan, a Waterford resident for 21 years, supported the developer's request to relocate the fence and buffer plantings and retain as much vegetation as possible, saying a white vinyl fence with shrubs and small trees would detract from the natural aesthetic; he cited the unanimous City Council approval to retain non-native vegetation at the Sophia project as precedent. - Nancy Viggiano, a Waterford resident for 22 years, supported keeping the existing vegetation for visual, wind, and sound protection, but also expressed concern that clearing the site and raising it by roughly one to two feet could affect drainage and stormwater absorption. - For the Venice Crossing Car Wash, Steve Carr of the Central Venice Coalition said he was not opposing the car wash itself, but urged the commission to uphold the Comprehensive Plan, arguing rezoning and additional uses should be reserved for special, exceptional, or unique circumstances. He noted that two full-service car washes and four self-service car washes already exist within five miles of the site. Public Hearings and Discussion Items - 25-29AN – Flagship Medical Office Building (MOB) 2 Annexation (Legislative): Senior Planner Nicole Tremblay presented the request to annex approximately 5 acres at 2805 Curry Lane into the city. The property is in JPA Area 6, currently designated moderate density residential by Sarasota County and zoned Open Use Estate-1. Staff found compliance with state statutes, contiguity and compactness requirements, absence of an enclave, JPA inclusion, public right-of-way access, and a pre-annexation agreement executed July 8, 2025. No public speakers testified. The commission voted 7–0 to recommend City Council approval. - 25-30CP – Flagship MOB 2 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Legislative): Staff requested assignment of the City of Venice Institutional Professional future land use designation for the same property. The petition was processed as a small-scale amendment under Florida Statute Chapter 163. The applicant identified four urban-sprawl avoidance criteria, including directing economic growth without adverse natural-resource impacts and promoting efficient infrastructure. The commission voted 7–0 to recommend approval, with the motion finding consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and compliance with Chapter 163, Part II. - 25-31RZ – Flagship MOB 2 Zoning Map Amendment (Quasi-Judicial): Staff requested the Office Professional Institutional (OPI) zoning district for the subject property. Staff noted the JPA caps intensity at 0.5 FAR, allowing a maximum of about 109,000 square feet; the district permits 35-foot height by right, 46-foot height with an exception, and 40% lot coverage, with no residential use. The proposed use would be medical office. The commission voted 7–0 to recommend City Council approval. No stipulation was attached, because the City Council will hear the Comprehensive Plan amendment before the zoning amendment. - 25-37DA – Curry Lane Townhomes Design Alternatives (Quasi-Judicial): Planner Brittany Smith presented the request by the owner of the 10.18-acre property at 2905 Curry Lane to allow existing invasive/exotic landscape material to remain on site under Land Development Code Section 3.7.2.8.8. The type 2 buffer plantings would be relocated to the south end of the dog-park amenity, and invasive species would remain in about a 40-foot segment between the dog park and the south parcel line. After hearing supportive testimony from three Waterford residents, Commissioner Hale said he wanted this type of exception to remain an exception and not become "open season" for developers because the Comprehensive Plan calls for eventually eliminating invasive species. The commission voted 7–0 to approve the design alternative. - 25-46RZ – Venice Crossing Car Wash Zoning Map Amendment (Quasi-Judicial): Planner Brittany Smith presented the request to rezone 1.15 acres at 2001 Laurel Road from Commercial General to Laurel West. The property is part of the 83-acre Venice Crossing commercial center preliminary plat approved in June 2025. Agent Jackson Boone said the rezoning is to the implementing zoning district for the Mixed-Use Corridor and that access to the parcel would be internal via Holstein, with no direct access to Laurel Road. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Hale, expressed concern about evaluating the application without seeing the whole development and about traffic and safety near Laurel Nokomis School. Boone and staff said a comprehensive transportation study was completed for the preliminary plat and that the city, county, school district, and FDOT have coordinated on the area. Public commenter Steve Carr recommended denying the rezoning, saying a car wash is not unique and the current CG zoning should remain. The commission voted 7–0 to recommend City Council approval. - 25-47CU – Venice Crossing Car Wash Conditional Use (Quasi-Judicial): The companion request sought a conditional use to allow a car wash in the Laurel West district. The conditional use plan shows a 4,240-square-foot car wash tunnel building, a self-service/vacuum area, vehicle queuing lanes, and point-of-sale kiosks. Agent Jackson Boone described it as a modern car wash operation, noted that car washes were previously treated as commercial intensive uses, and said the proposed site is near the school's parking and tennis courts rather than classroom areas. The motion to approve included a stipulation that the approval would not be effective unless and until City Council approves zoning map amendment 25-46RZ. The commission approved the conditional use 6–1. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes. - Recommended City Council approval of 25-29AN, 25-30CP, and 25-31RZ for the Flagship Medical Office Building 2 by votes of 7–0 each. - Approved 25-37DA, the Curry Lane Townhomes design alternative, by a 7–0 vote. - Recommended City Council approval of the Venice Crossing Car Wash rezoning 25-46RZ by a 7–0 vote. - Approved the Venice Crossing Car Wash conditional use 25-47CU by a 6–1 vote, with a stipulation tying effectiveness to approval of the rezoning. Staff and Commission Comments - Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark announced that the next Planning Commission meeting on October 21, 2025, will begin at 2:00 PM rather than 1:30 PM because of Student Government Day. He also noted the capital improvement schedule would be reviewed and invited members to watch students conduct a mock council meeting.

October 1, 2025 The Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement held a hearing on October 1, 2025, in the Council Chambers of Venice City Hall. The meeting addressed three cases: two from old business (CEBD25-002 and CEBD25-005) and one new business case (CEEN25-002). The Magistrate heard testimony from city code enforcement officers and a respondent, reviewed evidence, and issued orders including compliance findings, deadlines for remediation, and repeat violator warnings. Old Business Case CEBD25-002 – ACA Investors LLC, Inc. - Property: 45 (no address provided in transcript). - Violation: Failure to obtain permits and unlawful acts under Chapter 88, Sections 2.2.1 and 4.1.2. - City Presentation: Code Enforcement Officer testified that the property was brought into compliance as of September 30, 2025. An Affidavit of Compliance from CRO Acosta was entered into evidence. The city requested a finding that the violation existed and a repeat violator warning. - Respondent: No one appeared. - Order: The Magistrate found the respondent compliant with the Administrative Order of September 5, 2025. The respondent was put on notice that future violations of the cited code sections would result in a repeat violator designation and a fine of up to $500 per day for each new violation. Case CEBD25-005 – Mildred H. Neary - Property: 490 Groveland Avenue, Venice, FL. - Violation: Property maintenance and unsafe structure (hole in roof exposing rafters, collapsed porch and eaves, missing siding, debris). - Procedural History: The property was in probate (summary administration). Notice was sent to five children and two grandchildren; Michael Neary (son) appeared. - City Presentation: Officer Kimberly Brown testified that inspections on October 25, 2024, documented severe disrepair. Despite multiple courtesy letters and discussions with Michael Neary (who indicated intent to repair or demolish), no permits were applied for as of August 2025. Probate was not opened until August 12, 2025. The city requested a 120-day compliance deadline for probate completion and permit acquisition. - Respondent Statement: Michael Neary stated he was “surprised the city waited this long to do something” but provided no specific actions taken. - Order: The Magistrate found a violation of Chapter 88, Section 3.2 (Responsibilities for Residential Properties). The respondent must: (1) transfer title to the heirs via the homestead act, and (2) obtain permits (not merely apply) for either repair or demolition, both by January 6, 2026. If not complied, a fine of up to $250 per day may be imposed. The case was continued to the January 7, 2026 special magistrate hearing. New Business Case CEEN25-002 – Basili A. Tzankis and Kallopi Y. Tzankis Trust - Property: 409 Menendez Street, Venice, FL (Athens Town Homes). - Violation: Offensive accumulation, weeds, tall grass over 12 inches, junk and debris (ceramic roof tiles, cinder blocks, bags of soil, loose wood, etc.). - City Presentation: Officer David Lipker testified that a citizen complaint on August 6, 2025, led to inspections on August 6, 15, and September 9, 2025. The owner, Angelo (trustee), was contacted and initially requested 30 days. Grass was mowed by August 15, but other items remained through September 9. On September 30, 2025, the owner requested an inspection; the property was then found fully compliant. The city requested a finding of violation and a repeat violator warning. - Respondent: No appearance. - Order: The Magistrate found a violation of Chapter 34, Section 34-81 (Offensive Accumulation), but the violation was corrected prior to the hearing. The respondent was put on notice that future violations will result in a repeat violator designation and a fine of up to $500 per day. Key Outcomes - Case CEBD25-002: Closed as compliant; repeat violator warning issued. - Case CEBD25-005: Violation affirmed; deadline of January 6, 2026, for title transfer and permit obtainment; potential fine of $250/day for non-compliance; continued to January 7, 2026. - Case CEEN25-002: Violation affirmed; corrected before hearing; repeat violator warning issued.

The Historic and Architectural Preservation Board of Venice, Florida, met on September 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The board addressed two public hearings: a proposed three-story mixed-use building at 256 Nokomis Avenue South (continued to October 9, 2025) and a renovation/addition at 500 Nassau Street (approved with conditions). The board also approved its 2026 meeting schedule. Consent Calendar - The board excused absences for members John Steckity and Steve Green, and approved the minutes of the August 28, 2025 regular meeting (by unanimous voice vote). - No other routine approvals were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - For PLAR25-0019 (256 Nokomis Avenue): One written comment was received from Katie Flynn (444 Darling Street, Venice), but no oral public testimony was offered at the hearing. - For PLAR25-0026 (500 Nassau Street): No public testimony was presented. Public Hearing: PLAR25-0019 – 256 Nokomis Avenue South – Proposed New 3-Story Mixed-Use Building Staff Presentation: Planner Brittany Smith introduced the project – a new three-story mixed-use building (predominantly residential with two ground-floor non-residential units) on a 0.37-acre parcel zoned South Trail 1 in the Venetian Theme Architectural Control District. The existing one-story commercial building would be demolished. The board was to review architectural compliance with Venice Historic Precedent (VHP) guidelines. Applicant Presentation: Owner/applicant Beka Saldadze (B Design LLC) presented the design, emphasizing a Venetian-style aesthetic with parapet towers, stucco molding, and arches. Total building height was stated as 35 feet plus a seven-foot parapet (42 feet total). The applicant explained that the parapet was chosen to conceal rooftop AC units and that the towers were intended to create visual interest. Board Discussion & Concerns: - Several board members expressed that the building appeared too vertical and massive for the surrounding one- and two-story context. Concerns included the height of the parapet towers (seven feet above the roof), the lack of massing offsets (flush facade on the north and south elevations), the proportionally thin columns (16 inches) under large arches, and the monotonous repetition of arched window trim. - The board suggested lowering the parapet by approximately three feet, exploring a barrel tile roof on the towers (to reduce perceived height), adding plane changes (at least 16 inches offset) on the north and south facades, widening the columns under arches, simplifying balcony railings, and aligning windows vertically. - The applicant and project representative Arthur Sowal indicated willingness to revise the design but noted constraints from parking and driveway requirements. Outcome: The board voted unanimously (4-0) to continue the hearing to October 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM, without re-advertisement. The applicant was asked to return with revised drawings addressing the massing (especially on the south and east facades), parapet height, window proportions, railing simplification, and overall vertical emphasis. Public Hearing: PLAR25-0026 – 500 Nassau Street – Renovation and Addition to Existing Residence and Carriage House Conflict Disclosure: Chair Beebe recused himself because his son-in-law owns the applicant firm (Beebe Design Studio). Vice Chair Trammell presided for this item. Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Nicole Tremblay described the Certificate of Architectural Compliance (CAC) request for a 1927 single-family home in the Venetian Theme ACD. The proposal includes removing non-original front porch and connecting porch, adding a second-story connection between the main house and the guest house (carriage house), repairing stucco, roof, windows, doors, and adding new privacy walls. Historic Resources Manager Harry Klinkhammer confirmed the garage is not original (added 1980) and that the home is not yet on the local register (second reading pending). Applicant Presentation: Agent Sam Hardie (Beebe Design Studio) detailed the restoration plan – replacing non-original steel windows with French casement steel windows, preserving original wood doors, adding a custom door to match, and building a privacy wall with a combination of solid and railing sections. The applicant presented revised north elevation drawings that simplified the wall design. Board Discussion: - Board members noted the need to re-establish two characteristic front windows and the balconette detail. - Discussion of the privacy wall: The applicant proposed a stepped wall with a three-foot solid base plus three-foot railing above, while the board questioned whether a simpler three-foot solid wall (without railing) would be more historically appropriate. The applicant maintained the railing was desired for privacy. - Board member Watkins questioned the two small eyebrow brackets on the garage balcony; the board recommended their removal as they are not typical of historic precedent. - The board confirmed that the existing vent on the north elevation should remain. Outcome: The board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the application with the following conditions: - The applicant shall use the revised north elevation and wall detail drawings presented at the meeting (which supersede the packet). - The eyebrow brackets on the garage balcony shall be eliminated. - Staff is authorized to approve minor administrative changes consistent with these conditions. New Business – 2026 Meeting Schedule Approval - Staff presented a proposed 2026 meeting schedule (meetings on the second Thursday of each month, starting with October 9, 2025, as the next meeting). The board approved the schedule by voice vote. Key Outcomes - PLAR25-0019 (256 Nokomis Ave): Continued to October 9, 2025, with directives to revise massing, reduce vertical emphasis, and improve architectural details. - PLAR25-0026 (500 Nassau St): Approved with conditions (remove eyebrow brackets, use revised wall elevations). - 2026 Meeting Schedule: Approved (second Thursday monthly). - Recusal: Chair Beebe abstained from the 500 Nassau Street hearing due to a conflict of interest (familial relationship with applicant firm).

The Venice City Council met on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included recognitions, public hearings, new business, and reports. A private attorney-client session was held at noon to discuss litigation. A budget public hearing was scheduled for 5:01 PM. Recognitions - Swearing in of Police Officers Jessica Fernandez and Lawrence Hickman, who brought diverse experience from Connecticut and Boston, as well as military service. - Proclamation declaring October 5-11, 2025 as "Fire Prevention Week," presented to Fire Chief Giddens, highlighting lithium-ion battery safety. - Proclamation declaring October 2025 as "Florida Native Plant Month," presented to Ava Lasseter, President of the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, emphasizing the ecological importance of native plants. - Venice Historic and Architectural Preservation Board honored Earl Midlam with the Legacy Award for his decades of service preserving the city's history, including care for the 1926 American LaFrance fire engine "Old Betsy." Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Minutes of the September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting and Budget Public Hearing (Item 25-0348). - Approved unanimously: Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Local 1718 for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028 (Item 25-0349). - Approved unanimously: Collective Bargaining Agreement with Fraternal Order of Police (Officers) for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 (Item 25-0350). Public Comments & Testimony - Jenny Heisner, a Venice resident, thanked the council for the new Heckshire Park pickleball courts and presented council members with pickleballs as a gift. She expressed appreciation for the city's follow-through and communication. Discussion Items - Height Exception (CC 25-43HE): Staff and applicant presented a request for a building height of 43 feet 4 inches (within the allowable exception up to 46 feet) for a three-story outpatient medical facility with ambulatory surgery center at 2695 Curry Lane. The building is set back over 300 feet from the road to mitigate visual impacts on nearby residential areas. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval 6-0. Council discussed landscaping buffers and compatibility. - Ordinance 2025-33 (First Reading): An ordinance to place the structure at 500 Nassau Street South on the Local Register of Historical Resources. The property, built in 1927 in Mediterranean Revival style, meets three criteria for designation. The new owners plan restoration. Approved on first reading and scheduled for final reading. - Resolutions 2025-22, 2025-23, 2025-24: Resolutions accepting utilities and improvements for Magnolia Bay North Phase 2 (water distribution system and wastewater collection system) and amending city personnel procedures (employment of relatives, health insurance access, safety training). All approved unanimously. - Airport Community Outreach Update (Item 25-0351): David Surwilo, Airport Community Outreach Manager, presented his efforts since February 2025. He described building communication channels with residents, solving issues such as the lack of PAPI lights on Runway 5/23 (which caused all night flights to use Runway 13/31, disturbing neighbors). He coordinated with FDOT and FAA to fund and install new lights. He also uses flight tracking software (Vert Tower) to verify complaints and has established a direct email list with neighborhood leaders. He emphasized his role as an ombudsman, not a defender of the airport. Council members praised the reduction in complaints and improved trust. - Budget Process Workshop Discussion (Item 25-0352): City Manager Clinch proposed a half-day workshop to review the city's budgeting process and explore other models. Council agreed to hold the workshop on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Key Outcomes - All consent items approved unanimously. - Height Exception (CC 25-43HE) approved unanimously (Development Order 25-43HE). - Ordinance 2025-33 approved on first reading unanimously; final reading to be scheduled. - Resolutions 2025-22, 2025-23, and 2025-24 approved unanimously. - Budget process workshop scheduled for January 9, 2026, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (consensus of council). - Council acknowledged the airport outreach efforts and received updates on upcoming events: Student Government Day (October 21, 2025) and Make a Difference Day (October 25, 2025). - The meeting recessed for a private attorney-client session at noon and then adjourned.

The Venice City Council held a public hearing to consider final adoption of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and property tax levy. The council approved a reduction in the millage rate to the rolled-back rate, adopted the final tax levy, and adopted the official budget. No public comments were received. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak or submitted written correspondence for the record. Discussion Items - Finance Director Linda Senne presented a single change to the proposed FY2026 budget resulting from the first public hearing (September 9, 2025): reducing the millage rate from 3.9041 to the rolled-back rate of 3.8450 mils, which decreased general fund revenue by $419,000. - Council Member Engelke expressed opposition to the millage rate reduction, stating that the rollback is not in the best interest of the city and that the $419,000 reduction adds to deficit spending. He clarified that he supports the city and will work with the council going forward. Key Outcomes - Changes to FY2026 Budget (Presentation with Action 25-0342): Motion to approve the millage rate decrease and related budget adjustment passed 6-1, with Council Member Engelke voting no. - Ordinance 2025-31 (Final Tax Levy): Ordinance adopting the final ad valorem tax levy for FY2025-26 was approved and adopted 6-1, with Council Member Engelke voting no. - Ordinance 2025-32 (Official Budget Adoption): Ordinance adopting the official budget for FY2025-26 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026) and granting authority for departmental transfers passed unanimously (6-0). - The meeting adjourned following the votes.

The Venice City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers. The agenda included recognitions, a consent agenda, a presentation on the Sarasota Housing Action Plan, a quasi-judicial appeal hearing for a variance at 240 Base Avenue East, final readings of two ordinances, new business items, charter officer reports, council reports, and audience participation. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:00 PM, with a budget hearing scheduled immediately following at 5:01 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Minutes of the August 26, 2025 regular meeting; Amendment No. 1 to FDEP Beach Funding Agreement; Collective Bargaining Agreement with Fraternal Order of Police Sergeants and Lieutenants for October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2028. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Dürrbeck: Spoke against proposed property tax increases, arguing the city has sufficient surplus ($52 million) and that increases unfairly burden families and seniors on fixed incomes. He cited a job posting for a city manager that he claimed showed the city was

The Venice City Council held a public hearing to consider the adoption of the final millage rate and the official budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. After public testimony and council debate, the council voted 5-2 to set the millage rate at the rollback rate of 3.845 mills and unanimously adopted the corresponding budget ordinance on first reading. Public Comments & Testimony - Kit McKeon (former council member): Opposed reducing the millage rate, arguing that the city needs stable revenue to maintain services and adequate reserves, especially given potential economic headwinds and hurricane recovery costs. He noted the tax savings of $40-45 per household would be insignificant compared to service impacts. - Bill Wilson (former council member): Also urged council not to roll back the tax rate. He emphasized the city's mission to provide exceptional service and stated that residents he spoke with would rather forgo a small reduction ($40-45) than risk service cuts or future forced tax increases. Discussion Items - City Manager's Budget Presentation: The city manager reviewed the budget process, highlighting a 4.1% increase in general fund expenses (excluding the $5 million Wellfield Park project). Key investments included six new firefighter/paramedics, a new fire station, park facilities, solid waste operations, centennial celebration, parks master plan, website rebuild, beach nourishment, and stormwater projects. He noted the strategic use of reserves for Wellfield Park and cautioned about future uncertainties such as property tax reform, natural disasters, and softening economic conditions. - Council Debate on Millage Rate: Council members split on whether to adopt the rollback rate (3.845 mills) or maintain the current rate (3.9041 mills). - Supporters of rollback (Council Members Frank, Smith, Howard, Weed, and Mayor Petota) argued that the city's reserves ($32.2 million) are well above the 25% target policy, that the rollback represents a modest gesture to taxpayers, especially those not protected by homestead caps, and that the city can maintain exceptional service levels. Council Member Frank noted public safety spending increased 85% since 2018. - Opponents (Council Members Inglekey and Vice Mayor Boltz) argued the city faces significant headwinds (declining home values, falling permit fees, potential state property tax reforms, aging infrastructure, and staffing needs). Vice Mayor Boltz pointed to police staffing shortages and the need to replenish reserves used for Wellfield Park. Council Member Inglekey detailed that 70% of expenses are labor costs, with 72% of payroll going to public safety, and warned against reducing revenue prematurely. - Council Member Howard emphasized the need for attrition management and careful hiring to prepare for future downturns, noting that the rollback amount ($419,000) is a rounding error in the general fund and could be managed through efficiencies. - Council Member Weed supported the rollback, stating every dollar taken from taxpayers must be justified and that he sees opportunities for efficiency and modernization. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2025-31 (Millage Rate) – First Reading: Motion to adopt a final operating millage rate of 3.845 mills (the rollback rate). Passed 5-2. (Council Members Inglekey and Vice Mayor Boltz opposed; Council Members Frank, Smith, Howard, Weed, and Mayor Petota in favor.) The ordinance was scheduled for final reading. - Ordinance 2025-32 (Budget Adoption) – First Reading: Motion to approve the official budget for FY 2025-26, with the understanding that the budget will be adjusted to reflect the rollback rate on second reading. Passed unanimously (7-0).